Put on your lip gloss and get ready to pucker up. Read on to learn how to French kiss. Plus, find out if you’re a good kisser…

You’ve seen it on TV, in the movies and with passionate couples on the street. It’s a universal language of love among lovers, and transcends borders and cultures. And it can take your relationship from just-friends into the steamy zone.

The act stimulates the tongue and mouth, which are extremely sensitive areas, and might trigger sensations in the rest of your body – depending on whom you’re kissing. French kissing is typically a sign that you and your partner are truly into each other, so allow it to be spontaneous and exciting.

Learning good French kissing techniques can make or break relationships. So how to French kiss properly? Read on for tips…

How to French kiss: The basicsFirst, wet your lips before the kiss – lightly brush your tongue over your lips to moisten them; dry lips don’t slide well against each other. To ensure that your lips are moist enough, apply some lip balm.

Turn your head to the side. By angling your head to one side, you can ensure that your nose won’t crash into your partner’s.

To enjoy the sensations and intimacy, you may close your eyes during the kiss. As you are going in for the kiss, however, stare deeply into your partner’s eyes and make eye contact. It might raise the passion level. Once you are close to his lips, however, close your eyes.

Some people like to keep their mouths closed at the start and kiss softly. You don’t want to attack your partner, so take your time and feel him out.

To figure that out, start is by touching your partner’s tongue with yours lightly to see if he returns the move.

If he pulls away, this may be a sign to stop because he may not feel comfortable. But if he returns your gestures or starts his own, then proceed.

As you are kissing, open your lips slightly to signal that you want to French kiss. You probably will find that it happens naturally and you both make the decision to start French kissing together.

How to French kiss: Go slow Use your tongue to playfully and gently explore your partner’s tongue with your own. As you know from experience, tongues are very sensitive, so be careful not to go too far or be too rough with your tongue on your partner’s.

Also, proceed slowly as you enter your partner‘s mouth. To thoroughly enjoy a French kiss, take it slow and find a rhythm that feels right.

As with other parts of life and relationships, variety keeps things interesting. If you are in a long-term relationship and French kissing is routine, then you may want to change it up occasionally.

But if you find a certain type of French kissing that you both enjoy, don’t alter it for variety sake– stick with what works in that case.

Remember though, there are many ways to French kiss. For example, use a lot of tongue or very little. Or kiss your partner’s neck with your tongue. By moving lightly from the neck to the mouth, you can build the stimulation for deeper French kissing.

How to French kiss: Use body language Your partner may not say what he thinks of your French kissing, but his body language will speak volumes.

To discover if he thinks you are doing a good job, pay attention to his breathing. Is it getting heavier? Is he pulling you closer to him? Or is his kissing becoming more intense?

There is no right way to kiss. What separates a good kisser from a bad one, however, is learning to read body language and responding appropriately to it.

If your partner reacts positively or negatively to your advances in French kissing, then you should respond. Pulling away or hesitating is a sign of negative feelings and you should slow down or take a breather and stop altogether.

On the other hand, a sigh or moan could be a positive sign that he’s really enjoying what you are doing. So continue doing exactly what you have been.

How to French kiss: Tips to make it better Practice makes perfect: The more you do it, the more comfortable you will become with French kissing and you will get better at it.

Speak up: The act of French kissing should be pleasurable for both of you. If there is something you don’t like about your partner’s kissing technique, then say something to him or change what you are doing. It may feel uncomfortable to address such issues at first, but you will both benefit by knowing what the other likes and dislikes.

Freshen your breath: Don’t go into a French kissing session with bad breath. Brush and floss your teeth regularly and carry breath mints with you if you think you may end up kissing someone. If it seems that you always have bad breath, then see your doctor; you may have a problem that can be corrected with medication.

Avoid smelly foods: Some edibles make your breath smell bad, for example garlic and onions. When you’re planning on ending a romantic evening with French kissing, consider avoiding dishes with them. Or make sure you have some mints or breath freshener in your purse to slip in your mouth on the way home. Your partner will appreciate your efforts to improve your breath and your mutual French kissing experience.

Breathe: Don’t hold your breath when you’re kissing; it’s awkward to have to pull away to gasp for a breath in the middle of a sensuous kiss. Breathe normally through your nose.

Watch out for teeth. Knocking teeth together during a French kiss can be awkward and painful. You could rub the teeth, front or back of your partner, with your tongue, but not everyone enjoys that.

Test your technique on new partners: What one previous partner liked may not be true for your current partner. Read his body language to figure out what he likes and does not.

Kiss back: If you are enjoying being French kissed, reciprocate his moves with your tongue and lips. If something happens that you do not enjoy, slightly close your lips or pull away to give your partner the sign. Be subtle but clear. Good kissing habits are easy to develop; bad ones can be difficult to break.

Don’t have expectations: There are no rules of how long you are supposed to French kiss.

If you are in a rush, a quick and passionate French kiss can be just enough. Enjoy it while it lasts and while both of you are into it. Never feel as though you need to continue kissing just for the sake of it.

Use your hands: They express more emotion in the kiss. You can cup your partner’s face, or run your hands through his hair or over his back or beyond. Remember, however, to respect his boundaries. The last thing you want is for your French kiss to turn into an unwanted groping session.

French kissing is a lot of fun when both parties are into it. There is no right or wrong way to kiss if it feels right to you and you are getting good feedback from your partner. Enjoy learning how to French kiss.

Are You a Good Kisser?
Smooching, snogging, lip locking – whatever language of love you prefer, there are universal moves that make for a memorable kiss. You can tell a lot about a person by the way they kiss – so what are your lips saying about you? Find out what kind of kisser you are with this quiz.